The conference featured the results of a research project which analyzes the influence of selected external actors (third countries) on the developments (in)stability and possible democratic backsliding in Western Balkan countries. In his opening speech, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Marian pointed out that in spite of the success, achieved in EU enlargement agenda last year, the Western Balkan region remains vulnerable, which is being exploited by external actors. Thus, he welcomed the presented study as food for thought on the topic of how to make EU enlargement policy more efficient in order to achieve the best possible results. More about the project can be found at https://www.balkancrossroads.com/wbc-iii or on PSSI website https://www.pssi.cz.